Superlambanana-rama

When I first saw the 17-foot original Superlambanana, I thought it was a total eyesore and couldn't think of any reasonable excuse for its hideous design. However, after my first - and possibly unfair - judgement it seems that the statue has actually proven quite successful in raising awareness within Liverpool. Although its usual colour is yellow, the Superlambanana has occasionally been repainted in order to sponsor certain causes - for example purple during the Smoke-free Liverpool campaign, and pink in support for a breast cancer awareness charity.

After my initial hatred for the Superlambanana, I couldn't help but join the thousands of people in 2008 scouring Liverpool for one of the 125 replicas created during the European Capital of Culture. I still can't say I like the design of the statue, but I'll tolerate it due to the impression it has had on Liverpool, and the causes that it has successfully sponsored.

The original Superlambanana remains in Liverpool, some of the replicas have been auctioned off, and others can be seen in Museums countrywide.

Sew what?

Whilst on the subject of window displays, I was pretty impressed with All Saints in Manchester's latest display, consisting of hundreds of old Singer Sewing machines. I was amazed by how many people from all generations had gathered round to look at it (the older ones possibly having used one before!) This is definitely an innovative idea for a window display, and reflects All Saints' authenticity. I'd say it shows off the popularity of the shop, as their clothing ranges aren't even required in the window to interest the customer. Although it did seem that more people were standing outside than in...

Hang about!

At first glance, I barely noticed yet another wacky window display in Harvey Nichols. However, upon closer inspection, I realised that the figures were in fact made up entirely of wooden clothes hangers. I can only imagine how long these displays took to create, but I'd say it was certainly worth the hours of work.

Normally I find myself walking past Harvey Nichols without looking twice, as the extortionate prices are way beyond my budget.

However this time, I needed a closer look. My wallet still wouldn't let me enter the shop, but the thought-provoking window display definitely ticks the box of capturing the shoppers' attention.

Stonemade gadgets

I'm thinking weight may be a slight limitation of these designs...

Pictures taken at exactly the right time

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=10805028404&ref=ts

This Facebook group consists of over 1,000 photos that have supposedly been taken at 'exactly the right time' - those that would be far less effective if taken only seconds before or after. The group is really addictive, and I found myself looking through the pictures for hours at a time, and constantly checking if any new photos had been added. The huge variety of photographs in this group ensures that it remains entertaining indefinitely.

What really interests me, is that the photographs aren't always taken on a quality camera, or by a professional photographer, but the content manages to amaze and captivate with its mind-blowing beauty or sheer humour.

What really doesn't interest me is how serious the 'Group Officers' have become, creating rules and regulations. They claim it's 'Just for fun' so I think they should keep it that way! Some of them are potentially photoshopped, but I'm willing to look past this.

Mene Mene or just mean?

I found this signpost down by the canal in Leeds. After being originally dumbstruck, I researched it and discovered that it's part of an art project (Mene Mene Tekel Upharsin) by two Christian artists. The Biblical quotes are placed in various locations around Leeds including paving stones, park benches and billboards. Reportedly, the public have been taken aback by some of the chosen quotes such as 'Blessed are the breasts' and 'You are a rock'. I find the whole thing rather entertaining, especially when they're placed in the right place: 'The hairs on your head are numbered' - Outside Toni and Guy hairdresser's. Witty yes?

Parkour for those who can't be arsed

It's a craze that seems to have recently swept the nation - The lying down game, consisting mainly of lying rigidly face down in the most random place possible. The original Facebook group 'The lying down game' has over 60,000 members and has ensured worldwide spread of the game. Some have criticised the game, as recently it resulted in NHS staff being suspended for playing it at work. Granted, there is a time and a place for it, it's definitely pointless, but great fun all the same!

Be warned though it's highly addictive, you'll find yourself looking for places to lie down everywhere you go, as my friends and I found out...